THE SHOVELS, hammers and buckets are out at a popular spot on the Malvern Hills as work finally starts on a project to restore water features on the famous slopes.

Labourers for the Malverns Heritage Project Partnership began work last week at St Ann's Well in the first stages of the £1.2m restoration plan.

The work involves the well's garden being restored to its former splendour, as well as a pond and terraces.

Last week workers began by moving machinery on to the hard-to-access site nestled in the hills above Great Malvern.

Most of the work is expected to be done in about three months, with the planting set to be done next spring.

Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty officer David Armitage is due to pay a site visit today to check on progress.

He said: "We're obviously very excited the work's started and are looking forward to a successful conclusion."

The well is one of 15 water features in the Malvern area set to be restored. The tender is in for work on Tank Quarry Clock Tower in West Malvern Road and work should start there in a month.

The Malverns Heritage Project is backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund, which awarded £740,000 over three years.

It aims to also provide information on the features through walk leaflets and websites. Six cattle grids are also due to be installed.